I was reading about lock "bumping" where burglars buy 'bump' keys and can open locks very quickly. I was also reading that some locks are bump proof (double chamber perhaps?). My question is: how can I tell, by looking at the locks currently on my door, if they are bump proof or not?

I don't see any brand or manufacturer name on the locks but they were replaced 3 months ago when we bought the house.

I'm saying that it only provides the illusion of security. The illusion is sometimes enough of a deterrent.. Think of it this way: it's silly to worry about having a fireproof, drill-proof, bombproof, apocalypse-proof vault door that's right next to a window into the vault. And if you're really concerned about your locks, use a keypad, or retina scanner, or...
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Matt BallMar 24 '11 at 20:03

@matt - I agree there is an curve somewhere between cost/benefit where added security measures add little actual overal security and therefor do indeed become theatre, but it also seems to me that doors that anyone can silently open for $20 are not theatre - that's a real problem I'd like to remedy. Most common burlars don't want to attract the attention of a brick through the window, especially with the neighbors I have
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themerlinprojectMar 24 '11 at 22:54

5 Answers
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I ordered a set of bump-keys and tried my doors. It was $15 (with shipping).

What's particularly interesting (at least to me) is that the method of 'bumping' open a lock has been around since the 1930s. It just wasn't well known by the general population until it was picked up by some TV shows/News stations in the 2000s.

I guess that is one way - ordering the bump keys and trying it. But my question is more of "can I tell by looking at my new locks if they are bump proof?"
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themerlinprojectMar 24 '11 at 5:31

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If it's a traditional lock that isn't advertised as bump proof; it isn't. If it is advertised as bump proof, it probably can still be bumped with additional hardware. It's like a 'pick-proof' traditional lock....the nature of how it works means it can be 'picked'.
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JimmyMar 24 '11 at 14:02

Thanks, sounds like trying it with bump keys is really the only way to know for sure but it also sounds like any traditional lock is susceptible so I guess that is my answer.
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themerlinprojectMar 24 '11 at 19:55

ordered some bump keys ($20 with shipping for me). Took all of 2 minutes - scary.
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themerlinprojectMar 24 '11 at 20:10

@themerlinproject, for $2 and 20 minutes you could have just made one. :) BTW just because you cannot bump a lock doesn't mean it cant be done, it may just be your inexperience, or improper bumping method.
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UnkwntechApr 6 '11 at 5:58

If your lock is a just a simple pin tumbler then its vulnerable to bumping.

There are some pin tumbler locks that say they protect against bumping, but in practice it might be a little more difficult, but still very vulnerable. In fact the only deadbolt lock that I know of that isn't vulnerable to bumping, rakeing or other simple attacks. Is the Shalge Primus or another Hybrid key type. The pin tumbler on the primus is 100% vulnerable to bumping, however, the "side-bit milling" isn't vulnerable. Defense in depth security in layers.

Thanks rory - but my question is more of "can I tell by looking at my new locks if they are bump proof?"
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themerlinprojectMar 24 '11 at 5:31

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From the outside, no. The few locks made specifically to be bump proof tend to have marketing stating that fact, so look for that sort of information (caveat - some advertised as bump proof, arent...)
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Rory AlsopMar 24 '11 at 8:23

Basically, if your key looks regular (=standard) then it is likely that it is not a bump proof key.
The cheap advice if you want a "bump proof door", is to couple a security (=hard to bump) mechanic key with a magnetic lock (with a RFID card for instance).

However, you can find some really resistant keys. I guess the most well known in North America is the second generation Bilock key. Another star key is the anker magnetic key, almost impossible to copy, very difficult to lock pick.

To tell the truth, if you have an anker key, an armored door and a 12 points lock, most thieves will prefer destroy the wall next to the door to enter your house (I actually saw that at the office).

Test to see if your lock is bump-proof by putting your key in, give it turning pressure and push it all the way in. If the key jams, it's bump proof. If the key turns you need new locks. I am a former thief, but I'm now a lock smith. Look out for lock snapping on the useless PVC doors -- it's much more common than bumping. Lock snapping is what you need to protect yourself from.